Srijan Defence Portal: PM Modi's Vision For Swadeshi Innovation And Strategic Autonomy In Defence
Launched in August 2020 during the height of global supply chain disruptions, it represents a strategic paradigm shift from import dependence to indigenous innovation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat has found one of its most tangible expressions in the Srijan Defence Portal. It is a digital gateway that has fundamentally transformed India's approach to defence indigenisation. Launched in August 2020 during the height of global supply chain disruptions, it represents a strategic paradigm shift from import dependence to indigenous innovation.
Srijan's remarkable success, with over 36,000 defence items uploaded and more than 14,000 successfully indigenised, demonstrates how digital infrastructure can serve as a catalyst for national strategic autonomy.
The strategic implications extend far beyond procurement statistics. In an era where geopolitical tensions with China and evolving global defence dynamics demand self-reliance, Srijan has emerged as a critical instrument for reducing vulnerabilities while simultaneously positioning India as a credible defence partner on the global stage.
Its success coincides with India's defence production reaching an unprecedented Rs 1.51 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, marking an 18% growth over the previous year and representing a 224% increase since 2014-15. This transformation reflects not merely economic progress but a fundamental recalibration of India's strategic posture.
The conceptualisation of Srijan Defence Portal emerged from a critical recognition that India's defence ecosystem required a structure strong enough to break decades of import dependence. Launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as part of Atmanirbhar Week celebrations, Srijan was designed as a one-stop shop connecting Defence Public Sector Undertakings, Service Headquarters, and private industry. The timing was also critical, following the May 2020 border tensions with China and amid global supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic, India needed rapid indigenisation mechanisms.
It enables 19 organisations, 16 DPSUs and 3 Service Headquarters to display import-dependent items with detailed specifications, annual import values, and NATO classifications. This transparency mechanism allows Indian manufacturers to identify opportunities matching their capabilities or potential through joint ventures with OEMs.
What distinguishes Srijan from conventional procurement platforms is its integration with broader indigenisation policies. It serves as the digital backbone for implementing Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs), which mandate time-bound indigenisation of critical defence items. This approach has resulted in five PILs comprising over 5,500 items, creating realistic timelines for import substitution. It thus functions as both a marketplace and a policy implementation tool, ensuring that indigenisation delivers the results India requires it to.
Srijan has facilitated massive indigenisation efforts with over 14,000 items successfully indigenised from 36,000 uploaded defence items.
Srijan's Measurable Impact
Since its launch, Srijan has facilitated the indigenisation of over 14,000 items, whilst simultaneously supporting broader defence production growth from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 1.51 lakh crore in 2024-25. Analysis of sectoral distribution reveals that indigenisation efforts have successfully targeted critical technologies. The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), with its 40+ kilometre range and advanced fire control systems, exemplifies high-value indigenisation achievements facilitated through Srijan's ecosystem.
Defence exports have surged 34-fold from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25, with much of this growth attributed to capabilities developed through indigenous manufacturing supported by Srijan initiatives. Countries across Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are increasingly sourcing Indian defence equipment, validating the quality and competitiveness of indigenised systems.
The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme, closely integrated with Srijan, provides grants up to Rs 1.5 crore for prototype development whilst connecting startups directly with military requirements. The success of companies like ideaForge in UAV systems and Tonbo Imaging in advanced sensors demonstrates the effectiveness of this integrated approach.
Srijan's success in engaging smaller enterprises deserves particular attention. Over 16,000 MSMEs are now integrated into defence supply chains, representing a democratisation of defence manufacturing previously dominated by large PSUs. These enterprises contribute 23% of total defence production, up from 21% in the previous year, indicating growing private sector confidence and capability.
National Security and Strategic Implications
In an increasingly multipolar world where technological sovereignty determines national power, Srijan serves as a critical instrument and a beacon for reducing dependencies on foreign suppliers, particularly given growing geopolitical tensions with China.
The ability to indigenously produce complex defence systems provides strategic flexibility during crises whilst reducing vulnerabilities to supply chain manipulations or technology denial regimes.
Operation Sindoor revealed concerning levels of Chinese components in defence equipment, prompting comprehensive audits and supply chain reviews. Srijan's role becomes crucial as it helps in the systematic identification and substitution of vulnerable dependencies through transparent indigenisation processes.
Indigenous production of critical systems like BrahMos missiles, Tejas aircraft, and advanced naval platforms provides operational flexibility whilst demonstrating credible deterrence capabilities. The export success of these systems to countries like the Philippines further enhances India's strategic influence, creating dependencies that serve broader geopolitical interests.
Defence Diplomacy and Export Strategy
Srijan's success in fostering indigenous capabilities has enhanced India's global strategic positioning in terms of defence exports. It has played a crucial role in enabling defence exports worth Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25, representing a 34-fold increase from 2013-14. Over 100 countries now import Indian defence equipment.
BrahMos missile exports to the Philippines and ongoing negotiations with Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia directly serve India's Act East policy, whilst countering Chinese influence in Southeast Asia. Similarly, defence partnerships with Armenia and potential collaborations with Argentina showcase India's defence manufacturing transformation.
Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are being positioned as hubs for export-oriented production, creating economies of scale that benefit both domestic capabilities and export competitiveness.
European nations are seeking to diversify their suppliers and expedite procurement in response to heightened geostrategic threats. The EU's 2025 Defence White Paper sets out an ambitious agenda to strengthen strategic autonomy through measures like the €800 billion Readiness 2030 plan. India stands out as a prime partner offering proven, battle-tested solutions with reliable delivery timelines and a lower risk of geopolitical disruption.
Beyond sheer volume and cost-effectiveness, Srijan's success has cultivated a robust and innovative supply chain, granting India the agility to adapt product offerings to fit stringent European requirements and certification standards, which already include NATO requirements.
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Srijan's success in facilitating 14,000+ indigenised items and supporting Rs 1.51 lakh crore defence production demonstrates how digital platforms can serve as instruments of strategic transformation. Its integration with broader Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives has created synergies that enhance both economic development and national security capabilities and even provide India with a diplomatic advantage.
Yes, Srijan is just a portal for facilitation, but we are all better for it.
About the Author
Sohil Sinha
Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects.
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First Published:
August 15, 2025, 07:30 IST
News opinion Opinion | Srijan Defence Portal: PM Modi's Vision For Swadeshi Innovation And Strategic Autonomy In Defence
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